Walking 300km from Dresden to Magdeburg

I am raising vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

I am a former soldier, an amateur historian, and a long distance walker. In May-June 2026 I shall continue my walk down the River Elbe in Germany, walking 300km from Dresden to Magdeburg. 

The river itself resonates throughout history. The Romans campaigned as far as the river under Drusus, Tiberius and Germanicus. In April 1945, US and Soviet forces met on the river near Torgau. During the Cold War, part of the river formed sections of the Iron Curtain.

My starting point this year is Dresden, a beautiful city in Saxony which suffered an infamous Allied bombing raid in 1945. Magdeburg was the headquarters of the Soviet Third Shock Army in the Cold War; I served for five years in Germany facing-up to this threat. I shall walk 300km (186 miles) along the river, always thinking about its history but also of its place in the horrors of war and the impact war has on participants and victims on all sides.

I have raised money for Combat Stress before. Whilst UK involvement in direct conflicts has declined, the impacts upon those who have served in more than 19 campaigns has effects on the mental health of many to this day. Last year over 17,000 contacts were made to the the charity showing the level of need.

Combat Stress is the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. For over a century, they've helped former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, they provide support to veterans from every service and every conflict.

I’ll be taking about 370,000 vital steps towards ensuring veterans can get the support they need.

Please give something to help. Thank you so much for your generous support.